Pulaski County, Illinois
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Pulaski County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belknap silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Menfro silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bonnie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ginat silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonnie and Petrolia soils, undrained, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menfro silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Karnak and Cape silty clays, undrained, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Birds silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menfro silt loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menfro silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Menfro silt loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Menfro silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hatfield silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Karnak silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 2K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 48% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 78% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.